Jennette’s Pier Transferred into State Hands

By CATHERINE KOZAK

By Catherine Kozak

The Virginian-Pilot

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Jennette’s Pier is finally in state hands, clearing the way for the complete rebuilding of the North Carolina Aquariums’ first ocean pier.

With transfer of the property from the nonprofit North Carolina Aquarium Society accepted at Tuesday’s Council of State meeting, the transformation of the storm-shaved pier, pier house and 5.12-acre lot will be able to begin after nearly five years of uncertainty.

Neal Conoley, the society’s president, said the most recent delay in the transfer was a result of state legislation passed during the last General Assembly session that required a 30-day comment period on property valued at more than $50,000.

He said the final step, the transfer of the deed, is expected within a week.

The bulk of the $12 million project will be paid for by $8 million to $9 million available in the aquariums’ admission receipts fund, Conoley said. The balance will come from future fee revenue.

Fees collected at state aquariums on Roanoke Island, Pine Knoll Shores and Fort Fisher, he said, are shared by the three facilities.

With 500 feet of pier lost during Hurricane Isabel in 2003 – just six months after the society purchased it – the new pier will be much stronger.

The proposal calls for a 1,000-foot concrete pier with a wooden deck and railings. It will be attached to a two-story concrete pier house that will include a tackle shop, an arcade and food service on the first floor.

Upstairs, there will be spaces for educational programs, community events and even private celebrations.

Conoley said the intention is to build piers in the future for the other two aquariums.

Demolition at Jennette’s is expected to start this winter, Conoley said. The small cottages on the site have been offered to the town and county governments to move for use as affordable housing.

Catherine Kozak, (252) 441-1711,

cate.kozak@pilotonline.com

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